Mature Students 2017 University Applicants

Well, I'm not going to Cambridge for my BA. I got an email from them on Monday saying they aren't inviting me for interview. The official decision hasn't appeared on track yet, but now I know what to expect. My achieved grades do meet the entry requirements and I did have a good PS and reference (I know this because I've appleid before, got an interview, then a pool interview and then got rejected. It was the admissions tutor at my original college who said my UCAS was "impressive", but I ended up applying to the same college I was pooled to last time because I had no choice (it's a long story), and that didn't help.


If they think they've managed to get rid of me, though, they're sorely mistaken because I'm going to apply again ! I'm hopefully going to apply again for an MPhil in 4 years with a good degree from Durham, UCL or Exeter! I've yet to hear back from any of these unis, although I'm still working on the questionnaire UCL sent me, which is why they still haven't made a decision.

Try not to take it personally, I'm sure they had good reasons for not accepting you and I’m equally sure that they'd be very pleased to consider you for an MPhil in 4 years' time. Durham and UCL are arguably just as good as Cambridge for English, if you can get an offer from one of them then you will still receive a great education.

I'm yet to complete my ucas forms..only putting down one option. Is that wise?


Posted from TSR Mobile

So yesterday I had my second interview for Adult Nursing. My first was last Friday and I received my offer on Tuesday. Yesterday was at my first choice uni, and I was having a fantastic day, flying through the literacy and numeracy tests, then doing well in the group activity. I got on well with the other applicants and even went for lunch with 2 of them. But after lunch the individual interviews started to get behind and I ended up going in 30 minutes late. By that time I was so nervous I completely ruined my interview. I froze, I stumbled over the questions (even the really easy ones like "why do you want to be a nurse?" I cringe now thinking back to that 15 minutes and I'm so so upset that I've managed to ruin my chance to get into my first choice uni. Not only that but I no longer have any interest in studying anywhere else. Keele is where my heart is, and so today I withdrew my application from Uni of Manchester and Birmingham City. I didn't feel it was fair to waste their time because I know for a fact I won't go there. So now I'm sitting here feeling sick with worrying about the outcome and wondering whether my performance throughout the rest of the day was enough to get me through. I'm 34 now, will be 35 next september when I was hoping to start, so although I could apply again next year, I feel it's so late in my life to start this and I am so ready right now. I have another interview scheduled and I'm just trying to work out whether, should I be unsuccessful at Keele, to go somewhere else for the first year (I already have an offer) and transfer in to year 2, or cut my losses, withdraw and apply only to Keele next year. Sorry this is so long, I'm just really gutted right now.

I'm sure they'll understand but I don't think withdrawing was very vise. At the end of the day, all the unis you have applied for are good and will get you a degree in the end.

In my experience Keele is so understanding and the politest uni I've ever dealt with. They're not going to think that you're stupid or incapable for tripping over your interview - they'll know you were nervous. Definitely don't give up hope yet ☺️ if you're unsuccessful I would take the other offer and then seek to transfer rather than take another year! You're still going to come out as a nurse and have a great career whatever happens

Well, I'm not going to Cambridge for my BA. I got an email from them on Monday saying they aren't inviting me for interview. The official decision hasn't appeared on track yet, but now I know what to expect. My achieved grades do meet the entry requirements and I did have a good PS and reference (I know this because I've appleid before, got an interview, then a pool interview and then got rejected. It was the admissions tutor at my original college who said my UCAS was "impressive", but I ended up applying to the same college I was pooled to last time because I had no choice (it's a long story), and that didn't help.


If they think they've managed to get rid of me, though, they're sorely mistaken because I'm going to apply again ! I'm hopefully going to apply again for an MPhil in 4 years with a good degree from Durham, UCL or Exeter! I've yet to hear back from any of these unis, although I'm still working on the questionnaire UCL sent me, which is why they still haven't made a decision.

It's completely up to you. Are you positive that the uni will make you an offer? If not try and find some more unis in your area.

So yesterday I had my second interview for Adult Nursing. My first was last Friday and I received my offer on Tuesday. Yesterday was at my first choice uni, and I was having a fantastic day, flying through the literacy and numeracy tests, then doing well in the group activity. I got on well with the other applicants and even went for lunch with 2 of them. But after lunch the individual interviews started to get behind and I ended up going in 30 minutes late. By that time I was so nervous I completely ruined my interview. I froze, I stumbled over the questions (even the really easy ones like "why do you want to be a nurse?" I cringe now thinking back to that 15 minutes and I'm so so upset that I've managed to ruin my chance to get into my first choice uni. Not only that but I no longer have any interest in studying anywhere else. Keele is where my heart is, and so today I withdrew my application from Uni of Manchester and Birmingham City. I didn't feel it was fair to waste their time because I know for a fact I won't go there. So now I'm sitting here feeling sick with worrying about the outcome and wondering whether my performance throughout the rest of the day was enough to get me through. I'm 34 now, will be 35 next september when I was hoping to start, so although I could apply again next year, I feel it's so late in my life to start this and I am so ready right now. I have another interview scheduled and I'm just trying to work out whether, should I be unsuccessful at Keele, to go somewhere else for the first year (I already have an offer) and transfer in to year 2, or cut my losses, withdraw and apply only to Keele next year. Sorry this is so long, I'm just really gutted right now.

I'm yet to complete my ucas forms..only putting down one option. Is that wise?


Posted from TSR Mobile

Yes, I know! It's the tutorials I used to think I wouldn't get at UCL or Durham, but after having a closer look at the course descriptions, ...

As you know, Durham and UCL's tutorial system isn't quite the same as having weekly supervisions at Cambridge, but you could always try applying for an M.Phil. after your undergrad.

Did you ask for any feedback on your second Cambridge application?

Well, the one at UCL looks very similar, although the tutorials are fortnightly.

I did last time, but not this time.

Ok. Maybe Cambridge isn't for you after all - I'm sure UCL will be perfectly adequate should you get a place there.

Well, but it is, just not yet! The admissions tutor said in my feedback that I should "at least consider applying to [them] as a postgraduate student, followed by a BA degree elsewhere.". (and I will!)